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Message |
    
Dorthy Brown
Breeding Stock
Username: Dodib
Post Number: 463
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 10:16 am: | 
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This is her first foal and although she does seem to watch out for her she is just not very nice to her............ if the foal brushes against her, like trying to be close to mom, she will squeal and put her ears back....nip her in the butt and will also kick out. Not really at the foal but just like she wants her away from her. She does let her nurse but not for long.... at least twice a day I tie her and stand there so the foal can nurse as long as she wants. But the other times she only can nurse for a short period of time.
Also she is in heat right now and I am wondering if that could be making her grumpier??
I am just wondering with a mother that is not nice how will this affect the foal? I am worried the foal is going to get a bad disposition from her. And this mare is usually the nicest Sweetest horse(hence the barn name Sweetie)just not being very motherly....
and if bred again will she be the same with the next baby???/ |
Diana Gilger
Senior Stallion or Mare
Username: Kdgilger
Post Number: 3340
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 11:35 am: |
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i have a mare who does this too, it's only for the first few days though. She does eventually settle down and act right. I actually have my mares on cam when they foal, and many people say, "i can't watch that, she's so mean!" LOL She had her 3rd foal this year, and diddn't do it this year....thank goodness
we worryfor the babies, but mom is the one who has to discipline them....i try to leave these situations alone, as long as they're not actually being violent. |
Dorthy Brown
Breeding Stock
Username: Dodib
Post Number: 464
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 11:51 am: |
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Yeah I am just keeping an eye on it.... other than I do tie her twice a day so baby can nurse for as long as she wants(per vet suggestion) he also said at about 2 weeks I can start giving her a milk pellet???
I am glad she disciplines her cause I have had other mares and did not do ANY disciplining and the foals could be so............naughty to horses and people!!
But yes its hard to watch when it doesn't look like mom likes her baby |
Cjskip
Senior Stallion or Mare
Username: Cjskip
Post Number: 1278
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 03:46 am: |
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Dorothy, sounds like you have your hands full. Of course I have no experience with this but I hope everything turns out alright. Let us know. please. I am curious if the mare accepts her more after a few days. |
hedgerow farm
Weanling
Username: Lotsofponies
Post Number: 35
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 09:02 am: |
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Try giving an injection of Reserpine, it is a tranqs that last about a month, it is given in the muscle. Doesn't work with all mares but worked wonders for my mare. I can't believe your vet did not offer it to you, call your vet and insist on it. I think it cost $30, you can give it yourself. The mare will probably break into a sweat for about 20 minutes. |
Dorthy Brown
Breeding Stock
Username: Dodib
Post Number: 466
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 10:45 am: |
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I'd rather not give her a tranq if it can work itself out.............. she is not physically harming baby at all... |
hedgerow farm
Weanling
Username: Lotsofponies
Post Number: 36
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 12:48 pm: |
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You do realize that a baby should be eating every 2 to 3 hour not every 12 hours, that is what helps the mare produce more milk. The baby will need more milk as it get older, your mare might start drying up. Are you milking the mare to make up for the foal not nursing? |
